The SFGs are planning to hit the beach this weekend, and while I usually follow the mantra “be confident and flaunt what you got!” Lately, my nightly cravings for chocolate, and the many party-filled weekends of alcohol and nachos has me second guessing myself :/ I’ve been staying active– hitting the gym, doing yoga… working hard so that I feel positive and healthy inside and out! Yet despite all my downward dogs… I’ve been sabotaging my healthy progress with some binging… So when I’m feeling doubtful, it’s time to pick myself up and take back control. This week, I’ve tried to be more aware of what I’m eating and how much I’m eating of it… But in the spirit of still indulging, when eating out I’ve opted for one of my favorite and healthier foods: sushi. Simple sushi has to be one of the healthiest things for you– and one of the tastiest in my opinion. I decided to bring my love for sushi home with me, and create some raw fish tartare… with a spicy twist.

Have you had tartare before? It’s usually made with tuna and salmon and you can find it at plenty of restaurants. It’s one of my FAVORITE THINGS to order when it’s on the menu… while it’s not considered sushi– I consider it sushi inspired

It may not be pretty, but we all know that raw fish is full of nutrients, protein and antioxidants that keep us slim, our hair shiny, and our skin glowing… and now that summer’s in full swing, I realized I should save money (and put it towards happy hour :)) and instead create sushi concoctions at home!

I never knew how easy it would be!

The toughest part of this task is hacking away at that salmon filet. Make sure that you have a sharp knife! I also wanted to use the best ingredients possible; so high grade salmon is key!

Chop the salmon into tiny, tiny pieces! Then add the other ingredients!

Here’s the recipe! But taste-test as you go and customize to your liking:

* 1 lb. of salmon filet (skin removed)

* 2 tablespoons of sesame oil

* 1 tablespoon of soy sauce

* 1/2 teaspoon of honey

* 1 teaspoon of sriracha

* sprinkle of salt

* 1 avocado

and/or

* cucumber slices

Some people want to add tortilla chip for some crunch, but if you ask me, it’s not necessary…

Mold the avocados and cucumbers into a salmon sandwich and enjoy! The avocado/cucumber and salmon is such a killer combination!

Here’s to delicious summer with ZERO settling! Good food, active lives and a healthy physique!

I have bathing suit-scarestheshitoutofme-itis…not sure the condition is actually recognized by the medical field, but its symptoms are pretty dire. The only thing that seems to calm my nerves is a bottle of wine and I’m not sure consuming massive amounts of alcohol fixes the problem or starts another.

See, whenever I come in close proximity to my bathing suit, I panic…like really panic. I start planning my extreme diet: lean protein, celery and lettuce….lots of lettuce. Convincing myself that this summer, THIS summer will be different; my bathing suit and I will enjoy our time together. But then 11:00AM hits and I’m starving…I need carbs, in the form of tortilla chips.

I usually rationalize my intake of salt and processed corn on my “low blood sugar,” but I’ve decided to take responsibility and be an adult about. Let’s take this one step at a time and start with dinner.

Tonight, I’m turning to the miracle food, salmon, as so proclaimed by Madonna for its anti-aging properties, Zooey Deschanel for helping her 20-lbs weight loss and basically consumed by every non-vegan celebrity that goes on a “diet.” (I’m sure Madonna had a little more help in the anti-aging department than salmon, but that’s neither here nor there)

Now, I’m sure the celebrity chefs, steam it and squeeze some lemon on it and call it a masterpiece. But this Midwest girl requires something called flavor when eating a meal. There is only so much steaming one can take, before she says duck it and eats a pint of ice cream(true story)…So I’m relying on this simple, easy and tasty marinade to make my healthy journey a little less painful.

Soy Marinade

¼ cup soy sauce

¼ cup Mirin

2 tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar

2 teaspoons of seasame oil

2 tbsp green onions

1 ½ tbsp minced fresh ginger

Whisk together

Pour over 6oz of salmon (double the marinade, if cooking more) let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

Then, set your oven to broil and cook for 7- 9 minutes. If you are lucky enough to have a grill, I’m jealous and that’s also an excellent way to cook salmon. Bon appetite!